MedStar Georgetown University Hospital's 11th Annual Abdominal Wall Reconstruction (AWR) Conference is a comprehensive two-day symposium that provides an in-depth understanding of the complexity of AWR. The purpose of this highly interactive meeting is to offer an evidence-based discussion on all aspects of AWR through didactic lectures with video education and case presentations to address the growing rate of hernia repairs and updates in technology and procedures. Currently, there are approximately 350,000 ventral hernia repairs performed annually in the United States and the patient population continues to be increasingly complex with significant co-morbidities. Thus, the overall complication rate is high including surgical site morbidity and recurrence. The financial burden to the healthcare system is substantial.

This conference will address the high overall complication rate as well as the association of ventral hernia repair as the cause of the second highest postoperative readmission rate.. The course is comprised of internationally renowned faculty that are a diverse group of experts chosen from the disciplines of general and plastic surgery, based upon their ongoing contributions to the field of abdominal wall reconstruction. The individual sessions will focus on patient optimization, selection of surgical approach and reinforcement material for different patient populations, and management of complications.

Objectives

For Nurses:

1. Educate patients on the importance of diet and nutrition as it relates to surgical outcomes
2. Explain the importance of weight loss before and after surgery
3. Implement enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways following hernia repair
4. Facilitate work in tandem as a team with surgeons to improve the overall patient experience

In support of improving patient care, MedStar Health is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), and the American Academy of PAs (AAPA), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

CREDIT DESIGNATION

This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 16.25 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is pleased to invite you to submit a poster abstract at the Abdominal Wall Reconstruction 2019 Conference. This is an excellent opportunity for you and your colleagues to share your latest work and research with world-renown experts in the field.